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Health department briefs commissioners on 2026 community health needs assessment; board proclaims Autism Awareness Month and National Public Health Week
Summary
The county health officer and hospital partners outlined the 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) timeline and outreach (survey Apr. 6–27; two focus groups Apr. 16); commissioners also signed proclamations recognizing Autism Awareness Month and National Public Health Week.
Calvert County commissioners received a briefing on the 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and adopted proclamations recognizing April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month and National Public Health Week.
Christine Fenomore, a county employee and parent, opened remarks for the autism proclamation, describing local resources and urging early screening and support. "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism affects approximately one in 31 children in the U.S. today," Fenomore said as she urged families to seek local services.
Health officer Dr. Nymphotene Morura outlined the CHNA process and introduced public‑health staff. Dr. Cara Hera of Calvert Health Medical Center described the data‑collection plan: about 16 key‑informant interviews (including commissioner interviews), a community survey running Apr. 6–27 with a 10‑minute, 33–38 question format, and two community focus groups on Apr. 16 (Prince Frederick and Solomon’s). The CHNA will prioritize health needs and inform hospital and health‑department resource allocation.
Joy Weer and others from Parks & Recreation described therapeutic swim programs and scholarships supporting adaptive lessons for children and adults with disabilities.
Next steps: the CHNA survey remains open through Apr. 27; the health department will host an open house on Apr. 9 to share services and encourage public participation in the assessment.
